Easy Brined Turkey Breast

3.34 from 3 votes

If you aren't hosting a crowd this Thanksgiving, a turkey breast is probably a great option for your main course. It will cut down on leftovers and cook in way less time. How to cook a turkey breast is fairly simple, and using this easy turkey brine recipe can really take the flavor to a new level. Makes enough brine for one large turkey breast.

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Rest time:8

Total Time9

Course: Mains

Cuisine: American

Keyword: roasted turkey breast, turkey breast, turkey brine, turkey brine, turkey breast, turkey marinade

Servings: servings

Calories: 1649kcal

Ingredients

For the brine:

10 cups water
2/3 cup coarse salt
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon peppercorns
1/2 tablespoon dried rosemary
1/2 tablespoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
3 leaves bay leaves
1 cup dry white wine

For the turkey:

1 turkey breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
Coarse salt
Black pepper
Granulated garlic

Instructions

Make the brine. Heat the water in a large stockpot until boiling. Add the sugar and salt, and stir until they have dissolved. Remove the pot from the heat and add the herbs and wine.
Once the liquid has cooled completely, add your turkey. If your turkey is too large for your stockpot, you can try a turkey brine bag or an extra large food storage container.
Brine the turkey. Add turkey breast to the brine and make sure it's fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Do not brine your turkey for more than 24 hours.
Prep the turkey. When you're ready to cook, remove the turkey breast from the brine. You'll need to pat it dry with paper towels so the skin will brown. Do not rinse or wash the turkey.
Preheat your oven to 325˚F and place your turkey breast on the pan you're going to use. Brush the skin with olive oil and season it liberally with coarse salt, black pepper and granulated garlic.
Bake the turkey. Bake the turkey for about 20 minutes per pound (for bone in) or 15 minutes per pound (for boneless), or until the turkey breast reaches a temperature of 160˚F. It will continue cooking when you remove it from the oven, but you will ultimately want it to reach 165˚F.

Nutrition